Press

PHILADELPHIA (July 8, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg:

“On June 10th, Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr., announced that 340 classroom positions were being restored thanks to a budget agreement reached by Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Mayor Cherelle Parker. We applauded that announcement then, on behalf of our members and the affected school communities we serve. 

“But nearly one month later, our members still have not received confirmation from the District that their positions are secure. A Zoom

PHILADELPHIA (June 11, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the School District’s announcement that 340 classroom positions cut for the 2026-2027 academic year will be restored, following a school funding agreement struck by Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson:

“The announcement late Wednesday by the Mayor, Council President, and Superintendent is an enormous victory for Philadelphia public school students. After a chaotic year marked by school closure announcements, persistent educator

Following is a joint statement from Philadelphia public education advocacy organizations:

"As a coalition of organizations actively focused on improving the quality of education for the 198,000 public and charter school students across Philadelphia, we support all solutions that provide resources for our kids. Now that Council has given preliminary approval for $50.4 million in additional funding to address the School District of Philadelphia's budget gap for FY2027, it is imperative that the District immediately restore the 340 teaching, counseling, and climate staff positions that were cut

PHILADELPHIA (May 28, 2026) – Following is a statement from a coalition of educators and public school supporters working to secure funding for the School District of Philadelphia that will save 340 school-level jobs:

“The Board of Education is poised to adopt an amended operating budget today for the next school year that cuts 149 teachers, 120 climate staff, 48 support staff and aides, and 23 counselors in 206 schools across the system. That the School District of Philadelphia’s structural deficit – the direct result of historic, unconstitutional underfunding by the Commonwealth – will be

PHILADELPHIA (May 20, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary result:

“The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers congratulates Rep. Chris Rabb on his primary election victory. While not endorsed by the Executive Board, our endorsement of another candidate was in no way a statement against Rep. Rabb’s record of service and consistent support for public education funding and worker empowerment. Public school students and working people in the 3rd Congressional District

PHILADELPHIA (May 18, 2026) – Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Monday expressed outrage at the School District of Philadelphia's failure to put students' health first:

"After reminding the administration of its own extreme heat policy this morning, the School District chose to keep students and staff in uncomfortable and dangerously hot conditions in schools that lack functional air conditioning. Today's high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit was forecast days ago, and outside temperatures today exceeded the 85-degree safety threshold at noon. Yet the

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2026) – The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) on Tuesday released analysis and alternative recommendations for public schools that are scheduled to close starting in 2027.

Led by PFT Director of Environmental Science Jerry Roseman and informed by input from PFT members, the reports found inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the School District of Philadelphia's stated rationales for closing public schools.

At a press event at Overbook Elementary on Tuesday, the PFT and school leaders pointed to strong community ties and walkability for young students as

PHILADELPHIA (April 22, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the Board of Education's refusal to grant City Council's request that a vote on the School District of Philadelphia's Facilities Master Plan be delayed to at least the May 28th monthly action meeting:

"I am shocked by the disrespect shown to City Council members today by Board President Reginald Streater and Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr. Unfortunately, such treatment is nothing new for our members, who have been shouting to be heard about the

PHILADELPHIA (March 13, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the School District of Philadelphia's announcement of school-based staffing cuts to address a long-predicted structural deficit:

​“Over the past month I’ve met with PFT and community members in schools across the City targeted for closure, and there is across-the-board fatigue with perpetual cycles of austerity being inflicted on Philadelphia public schools. Educators and students are sick of being told there’s not enough money to fill staffing